Partition structure



Jan. 8, 1963 F. D. HARWOOD PARTITION STRUCTURE 5 Sheets-Sheet l Filed June 18, 1958 N Fk/w/r DJ/ARWDQfl ATTORNEYS Jan. 8, 1963 F. D. HARWOOD 3,072,226

PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed June 18, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INV R. we fiiwwrQ/mkwoao I A og/V673- Jan. 8, 1963 F. n HARwooo 3,072,225

PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed June 18, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 BY F n I I I Arr-always Jan. 8, 1963 F. D. HARWOOD PARTITION STRUCTURE 5 Sheets-Sheer. 5

Filed June 18, 1958 I40 INVENTOR.

United States Patent Ofiice 3,072,226 Patented Jan. 8, 1963 3,072,226 PARTITION STRUCTURE Frank D. Harwood, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, assignor to glile Mills Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Filed June 18, 1958, Ser. No. 742,831 3 Claims. (Cl. 189-34) The present invention relates to building structures, and more particularly to semi-prefabricated interior partitions and to members used therein.

One of the principal objects of the present invention is the provision of a novel and new semi-prefabricated interior partition which will be not only attractive and serviceable, but will consist of parts which can be economically manufactured, readily assembled, and subsequently disassembled, if desired.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel and new interior partition of the character referred to in which the framework is made largely of extruded shapes, preferably aluminum.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel and new interior partition of the character referred to comprising a minimum number of different parts, thus facilitating manufacture of the parts and their assembly into a partition.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a novel and new partition of the character referred to comprising structural members having grooves therein and within which plastic material may be detachably positioned for decorative purposes and/or for retaining panels therein.

The invention resides in certain constructions, combinations, and arrangements of parts, and further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains from the following description of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a building interior showing partitions embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view approximately on the line 2---2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of the left-hand portion of FIG. 1, with portions broken away and shown in section;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view approximately on the line l4 of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view showing a door frame, with the door shown in broken lines and with portions broken away and in section;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view approximately on the line 66 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged transverse sectional view through a side wall post;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary exploded sectional view through a vertical post;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary exploded sectional view through a horizontal rail member; and

FIG. 10 is a transverse sectional view through a strike jamb and showing two adjacent angular brackets, one of which is only partially assembled with the jamb.

While a particular partition arrangement is shown in the drawings and hereinafter described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the construction and arrangement of members shown, but that it can be embodied in many different partition arrangements, etc. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology hereinafter employed is used merely for purposes of description and that there is no intention thereby to limit the invention beyond the requirements of the prior art.

Generally speaking, the partition or partitions of the present invention comprises a framework adapted to be erected between the floor and the ceiling of a building and support one or a plurality of panels. The framework also provides door and other openings as desired. The panels and doors, etc. may consist merely of sheets of plywood, glass, etc. or they may be fabricated of metal, etc., and if desired, in such a manner as to be fireproof. If glass is employed, it may be either transparent or opaque.

The framework of the embodiment shown in the drawings is fabricated almost exclusively from extruded aluminum forms and is so constructed that it can be readily prefabricated, as for example, in a factory, and subsequently assembled in a building which may be either new or old and, if desired, subsequently removed and reassembled in a different location in the same or a different arrangement.

Referring to the drawings partitions shown in FIG. 1 and which embody the present invention are supported on the floor A of the building and extend to the ceiling B. They form parts of five rooms designated in the drawings C, D, E, F and G. (see FIG. 2). The partitions shown are formed essentially of suitable panels and door frames including doors, supported in a framework formed largely of vertically spaced horizontal members or rails and horizontally spaced vertical members or posts having transverse cross-sectional shapes like the shape of a Greek cross having deep wide grooves in each face. Each of the rail and post members referred to is preferably made up of two or more members but where more than two members are used the additional member or members are preferably duplicates of one or both of the others.

The framework of particular partitions shown comprises a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical frame members or posts designated 10 to 19, connected together and held in spaced relation by a plurality of relatively high horizontal frame members or rails 20 to 28, intermediate height frame members or rails 30 to 35, second intermediate height frame members or rails 37, .38 and bottom frame members or rails 40 to 50. The framework supports a plurality of panels 60 to some of which are made of wood and others of which are made of glass, metal, etc. to illustrate various arrangements and constructions.

Because the vertical frame member 10 forms the connection or attachment of the partition to the permanent wall of the building in which the partition is erected it will be hereinafter sometimes referred to as a vertical wall post. The vertical frame members 11, 12, 14-, 16, 17, 19 will be referred to as intermediate wall posts because they are intermediate the ends of a partition, and the members 13, 15, 18 as corner posts although they are similar in construction to the intermediate posts since they are at the intersections of partitions. The horizontal frame members, as previously mentioned will be hereinafter referred to as rails to distinguish them from the vertical frame members, called posts, and are designated ceiling, transom, chair and floor rails as indicated by their relative height above the floor. The intermediate and corner posts are equally spaced with respect to one another to accommodate panels of equal width. If the desired space to be partitioned off is not equally divisible by standard size panels the extra space is taken up by a filler panel interposed between the side wall post and the intermediate post adjacent thereto.

The side wall post 10 is generally channel-like in cross-section having a base and two relatively narrow sides 101, 102 provided with outwardly projecting flanges 103, 104 along their free edges. The base 100 is relatively thick and has a groove 105 therein forming two relatively thick side flanges 106, 107 facing in the opposite direction from the sides 101, 192. In the embodiment shown the walls 101, 102 have inwardly projecting small flanges 108, 1119 such that the sides of the channel formed by the base 10%? and the side walls 101, 102 are in effect slightly undercut. This facilitates the insertion and align ment of a panel therewith. It is to be understood, how ever, that this undercutting may be eliminated if desired. The relatively short thick side flanges 1116, 107 form a comparatively shallow channel N5 in the left hand side of the post as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 7 and is provided for the purpose of retaining insulating material and to facilitate the alignment of the side wall post with the permanent wall of the building in the event the permanent wall is uneven. In the embodiment shown the side wall post 10 is secured to the wall 9t) of the building in which the partition is erected by wood screws 110 since the building is of frame construction. Other suitable fasteners, however, may be used depending upon the particular construction of the building, that is, Whether it is frame, masonry, etc.

The intermediate and corner posts are each built or made up of a core or core member PC, a front face plate or member PFF and a rear face plate or member PRF connected to their respective core members by screws 111. The post core members are all identical in crosssectional shape and the preferred shape is clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 8.

Each rail is made up of a core member RC, a front face plate or member RFF and a rear face plate or member RRF suitably secured together as by screws 112. The cross-sectional shape of all of the rail cores and all of the rail face members are alike and is clearly shown in FIGS. 4 and 9. All of the face members RFF, RRF, PPF, PRF are identical in cross section and are pi-shaped (7r) in configuration, see FIGS. 2, 4, 8 and 9. While each of the posts and rails shown are built up of three members or sections detachably connected together it is to be understood that they may be formed of two or more members. For example, one of the face members may be formed integral with its core member. The particular construction shown facilitates the insertion and removal of panels from either side of the partition while requiring merely three different shapes or extrusions.

The ceilihg rails 21 to 23 are connected to the ceiling B by downwardly facing members 125 fixed to the ceiling B and projecting in the grooves in the top sides of the rails adjacent thereto. Each of the channel members 125 comprises a base or web 126 having downwardly projecting sides 127, 128. The top side has a shallow groove 129 therein, similar to the shallow groove 105 in the side wall post 19, for the reception of insulating material, etc. The channel members 125 are secured to the ceiling B of the building, in this instance, by wood screws since the building is of wood construction. The ceiling channels 125 preferably extend to the side wall of the room.

After the side wall post and the ceiling channels are in position, the first intermediate post core is erected a suitable distance from the side wall post. In this instance the first intermediate post core is designated PC-11 because it is the core member of the post 11, and to distinguish it from other core members of like cross-sectional shape. This system of designation will be used not only with respect to the posts and their cores, but with respect to the rails and the face plates or members. The post core PC-ll extends from a point adjacent to the floor of the building to the ceiling channel 125 thereabove, and like the side wall post 141 and all of the other frame members, is preferably made of extruded aluminum. Like all of the post cores, the core PC-11 has a generally rectangalar cross-sectional shape, opposite front and rear faces 131), 131 of the post core PC-lil, as viewed in the drawings, are each provided with pairs of beads or flanges 132, 133 along their marginal side edges. The post cores are hollow, each'having'longitudinally extending openings ing 136 resembles the shape of a Greek cross thereby producing a relatively thin walled tubular construction but one having relatively heavy or reinforced corners.

The lower end of the post core PC-11 has a slot 137 therein and within which projects a pair of upstanding flanges 138 on a floor shoe 140, secured to the floor A of the building by a screw 141. The slot 137 and the flanges 138 extend lengthwise of the partition, and the flanges 138 have a relatively close fit within the groove 137 and prevent transverse movement of the post core PC-ll relative to the plane of the partition. The base of the floor shoe 140 is rectangular in plan and the post core is equal in width to the width of the base of the floor shoe. Suitable shims 142 may be interposed between the top of the base of the floor shoe 140 and the bottom of the post core for leveling purposes. The flanges of projections 138 of the floor shoe 141 are spaced inwardly from the ends of the base of the shoe and the shims, Which are the same size in plan as the base of the floor shoe, have a portion thereof cut out so that they can be slipped over the projections 133-.

The upper end of the post core P011 is connected to the ceiling channel 125 by a U-shaped post extension 145, preferably made of spring steel, having its tines Or sides projecting into the opening 136 and its close d end into the channel of the ceiling channel 125 thereabove. The post extension 145 may be suitably fixed in the upper end of the post core but the resiliency of the material of which it is made is, in the present case, sufficient to retain it therein and in the ceiling channel 125.

The intermediate post core P011 is connected to the side wall post 10 by rail core members RC2tl, RC-Stl, RC-4tl of the ceiling, transom and floor rails 2d, 30 40, adjacent to the ceiling, at transom height and adjacent to the floor, respectively. The ceiling, transom and floor rail cores are, as previously stated, identical in cross section and are, preferably, made of extruded aluminum. Each rail core is generally rectangular in cross-sectional shape, is provided with a longitudinally extending T-slot 1519 in one face forming two longitudinally extending beads or flanges 151, 152, and has two longitudinally extending grooves 153, 1154 opening into the side faces adacent to the face having the F -slot therein. The flanges 151, 152 are located at the edges of the respective faces adjacent to the face having the T-slot therein and the grooves 153, 154 are a predetermined distance therefrom.

The ceiling rail core RG41 is positioned underneath the ceiling channel 125 and spaced a short distance therebelow with the T-slot 15% therein facing in a downwardly direction. The left-hand end of the rail core projects into the side wall post It and is connected thereto by a screw or screws 155. The opposite or right-hand end of the ceiling rail core is connected to the intermediate post core PC-11 by an angle iron 16% the vertical arm of which is fastened to the adjacent face of the post core by screws 161. The horizontal arm is projected into the T-shaped slot in the rail core RC-Ztt and secured therein by a selftapping screw 162 threaded into a hole in the rail core. The transom and floor rail cores RC-3t RC- it), are connected to the Wall post 10 and the intermediate post'core PQ-Zt) in a manner similar to that in which the ceiling rail core RC-20 is connected thereto except that the transom and floor rails have their cores turned so that the T-shaped slots 15% therein face in the opposite direction, that is, in the upwardly direction.

A second intermediate post core PC-12 is subsequently erected and connected to the first intermediate post core PC-11 by ceiling transom and floor rail cores RC21, RC3'1, RC-dl respectively, in a manner similar to that in which the first intermediate post core P011 is connected to the side wall post 10 except that, in this instance; both opposite ends of the rail cores are connected to the post core adjacent thereto. by angle brackets 16% in a manner similar to that in which the ends of the ceiling,

transom and floor rail cores RC-20, RC-30, RC40 are connected to the post core PC-ll.

Continuing to refer to the embodiment shown, a corner post core PC-13 is erected. The post 13, of which this core is a part, is referred to as a four-way corner post because it is at the junction of four partitions or walls. The two walls or partitions 63, 64 which form this corner and which do not show in FIG. 1 are shown in FIG. 2. The post 13, however, is identical in construction with the intermediate posts and the post core PC-13 is the same as the post cores PC-11, PC-12 previously referred to, and is connected to the post core PC-12 in a manner similar to that in which post core PC12 is connected to the post core PC11 by horizontal ceiling, transom and floor rail cores except that in this instance the floor rail is omitted because there is a door intermediate the posts 12, 13 of which these cores are a part.

The remaining core members are erected in a manner similar to that described above until the entire core structure of the partition or partitions is completed. As previously stated, all of the face plates or members are alike in transverse cross-sectional shape and each comprises a web or base portion 165 having two grooves 166, 167 in the face thereof adapted to engage the core member and which grooves are in the case of the face members attached to the vertical post cores, adapted to receive the flanges 132, 133 on the face of the core adjacent thereto. The grooves 166, 167 are not used for any purpose when the face members are attached to the rail core members and could be omitted. This, however, would require an additional shape since the face plates for the post and rails would not be duplicates of one another.

The sides of the face plates or members opposite to the side in which the grooves 166, 167 are formed, are provided with two longitudinally extending projecting flanges 170, 171, located opposite the grooves 166, 167. The construction is such that the portions of the web or base 165 to the outside of the flanges 170, 171 are equal in length to the height of the flanges and the distance between the flanges 170, 171 is equal to the thickness of the core members with the result that when the face plates or members are attached to the cores, the projecting ends of the base portion 165, of the face plates or members, form with the core grooves having a depth equal to that of the groove formed in the face plates by the flanges 170, 171 with the exception of the groove formed in one side of the rails which groove is slightly deeper than the other grooves because the rail cores are of less width than that of the post cores. in the embodiment disclosed, the grooves or slots 153, 154 in the rail cores are so placed that the distance between their center lines and the face of the rail core within which the T-slot is formed is equal to one-half the width of the post cores. It will be understood, however, that the particular construction referred to is not essential and the rail cores may he of the same width as the post cores if desired.

After the post and rail core members are erected, the face memers are applied thereto. The face members, however, are applied merely to one side until the panel members are inserted. This is particularly true of the face members for the posts as will be hereinafter more apparent. If the panel members are to be inserted from one side, for example, the front of the partition as viewed in FIG. 1 of the drawings, the post and rail rear face members PRF, RRF respectively are attached to their respective post and rail cores PC, RC. If desired, this may be done prior to the erection of the cores. The web or base POIUOII 165 of the rail face members is cut away at opposite ends of each member, except the ends of the members at the wall post and the door jamb so that the flanges 170, 171 thereof overlie the adjacent web of the adjoining post face member. The construction is such that the projecting flanges 170, 171 of the rail face members extend to and preferably abut the adjacent projecting flange of the adjoining post face member.

As previously suggested the attachment of the face members to the respective core members may await complete erection of the core members, or the face members on one lSld of the partition may be attached to their respective core members prior to the erection of the core members. If desired, the attachment of the face members and the erection of the panels, etc., may progress simultaneously with the erection of the core members it being understood, however, that, in this event, the attachment of the face members to the core members and the insertion of the panels, etc., will lag behind the erection of the core members.

Referring again to the particular embodiment shown and, more specifically, to FIGS. 3 and 4, base board assemblies, designated generally by the reference character L, are inserted between the side wall post 10 and the first intermediate post core PC-11 and between the vertical posts, etc., preferably after the rear post and rail face members have been attached to their respective core members. Each of base plate assembly L comprises a sheet metal tubular member of rectangular cross section having a groove 176 in its upper edge. The member 175 is enclosed on its bottom and both sides in a U-shaped member 177 preferably made of molded plastic, such as, hard rubber, neoprene or the like. The base plate assembly preferably comes in predetermined lengths, for example, pieces 16' long, and is cut on the job to fit between the post members. At the wall post the base plate assembly L fits into the channel formed by the walls 101, 162 thereof. The height or width of the base is such that it extends from the floor to a point slightly below the bottom face or edge of the floor rail core members. The base plate assemblies are held in position underneath the respective rail core members and in engagement with the floor by one or more leaf springs 178 interposed therebetween.

Subsequent to, concurrently with, or prior to the positioning of the base plate assemblies in the frame struc ture, the panel members thereabove are assembled in the frame in a similar manner. In the present instance, the panel 60 intermediate the transom rail 336 and the floor rail 40 is a solid wood panel of suitable size to fit between the flanges 162, 103 of the wall post 16, the cores of the rails just mentioned and the core of the adjacent intermediate post 11. The thickness of the panel is the same as that of the core members. This panel is commonly referred to as the wall panel since it constitutes the major part of the partition wall.

The transom panel 73 which is interposed between the ceiling and transom rails 26, 36, the side wall post 10 and the intermediate post :11, is in this instance, made of glass. The panel 73 is of less thickness than the distance between the flanges of the respective posts and rails formed by the projecting edges of the web portions of the face plates or members and between which it is inserted and it is held intermediate the flanges by suitable glazing material, in the present instance strips of resilient rubberlike material 180, preferably neoprene. The glazing strips are preferably of such a height that they normally come flush with or project slightly above the projecting edges of the flanges of the respective face plates adjacent to which they are positioned.

While panels of particular form are shown, it is to be understood that panels of any desired form and constructed of any suitable material may be substituted for those used in the preferred embodiment. The wall panel 60, for example, may be replaced by a glass panel similar to the transom panel, and the glass may be either transparent, opaque, or the like.

The intermediate panels, as previously stated, are preferably all of uniform width from which it follows that the distance between adjacent intermediate posts are all the same. These widths and distances are prefrably made uniform for all partitions from which it follows that they will not necessarily exactly fit a. predetermined building space. Situations of this kind are taken care of by making the panels immediately adjacent to the permanent walls, such as the panels 60, '73 in the embodiment shown of the required width to allow the other panels to be made of uniform width. These panels may be herein referred to as filler panels.

The intermediate panels are assembled in a manner similar to that described with respect to panels 6d, '73. As the erection of the panels progresses, the front face plates or facing members are assembled on the respective rail and post cores. These particular face plates are referred to as the front face plates because it is assumed that the opposite base plates have been previously assembled on the respective cores and that the panels are being assembled from the front side of the partition as viewed in the drawings.

As previously suggested, the panels may be of any suitable material or construction. The panels shown with the exception of panels 65, 66 and 76 to '79 are made of wood or glass. The panels just enumerated are made of sheet metal and their normal thickness is greater than the distance between the respective projecting web portions of the face plates between which they are inserted, the edges of the panels, however, are reduced or provided with flanges which fit between the respective face plates. The interior of the sheet metal panels may be filled with suitable fire resistance and/ or sound absorbing or deadening material as desired. It is also to be understood that any panel may be omitted. In the event a transom panel is omitted the ceiling rail immediately 'thereabove is also preferably omitted. In this event, it may be desirable to connect the top end of the adjacent post core to the ceiling by the use of a shoe similar to the floor shoes 140, employed at the bottom end of the posts.

The particular partition construction shown includes two doors M, N, the first of which is hinged at the right hand side as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the second, at

its left hand side. Aside from this the doors are identical as is the manner in which the door frames are constructed and supported in the adjacent frame work.

The door M is located in a place which would nor mally be occupied by a wall panel interposed between the second intermediate post 12 and the corner post 13 and the door is a part of a unit which fills this space. This unit comprises a door frame assembly including a header 2%, a strike jamb 2M, and a hinge jamb 202. The cross-sectional shape of these members is alike and is shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, FIG. 10 being an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 6 and showing the strike-jamb 201. The header and jambs are generally rectangular in shape and having hollow centers. The strike proper 205 preferably in the form of a molded rubber-like material, such as extruded rubber or vinylis secured to each member by being retained in a groove formed by flanges 206, 207, the latter of which have an inturned portion 208. A second flange 209 on the member proper and facing the flange 208 helps to secure the striker 205 in position. The sides of the header and jamb members opposite to the strikers 2i)5 have undercut flanges 219, 211 formed integrally therewith for purposes hereinafter referred to.

The adjoining ends of the header and jambs are mitered and are connected together by angle brackets 212, located inside the respective members and secured in position by screws 213. The angle brackets 2.112 in addition to securing the header and jambs together reinforce the upper corner of the door frame assembly. The left hand side of the door frame assembly, as viewed in FIG. 5, is connected to the core of the transom rail 32 by an angle bracket 215 connected to the underside of the core and to the jamb by screws 216. The lower ends of the jambs are secured to the floor by channel brackets 217 which project upwardly into the openings therein and fixed to the floor by screws 218. The hinged jamb is held to the corner post 13 by having the flanges 2.10, 211 thereof engaged between the adjacent projecting parts of the web of the front and rear face plates PFF-13, PRF-13 which form a part of the corner post 13. The flanges 210, 211 on the header 200 engage between the corresponding web portions of the front and rear face plates RFF-32, RRF32 of the transform rail 32 immediately thereby. The hardware used on the door is of conventional construction and will not be described.

The particular panels shown are made in uniform or standard widths greater than the Width of the door frame and the space between the striker jamb 201 and the adjacent intermediate post 12 is filled by the wall panel 62. This panel might appropriately be called a filler panel since like the panel 66, it is narrower than a standard wall panel. It is, however, secured in position similar to the other panels except for the side thereof adjacent to the door frame assembly. Reference to FIGS. 6 and 10 will clearly show that there are no flanges integral with striker jamb to engage opposite sides of the panel 62, corresponding to the flanges at the post 12 and the rails 32, 42 formed by their respective face plates. This deficiency is supplied in this instance by angular shaped members 2243, 221 adapted to have one flange thereof forced underneath the undercut flanges 210, 211 respectively of the adjacent striker jamb. The members 22h, 221 are retained in assembled position by the resiliency of the metal assisted in the present instance by cooperating grooves and ridges on the flanges 21 211 and angular members 220, 221, respectively. FIG. 10 shows the angular member 220 in the process of being assembled with the striker jamb 201, whereas the angular member 221, is shown in fully assembled position. It will be noted from FIG. 6 that the distance between the positions of the angular members 223, 221, projecting from the jamb 291 is the same as the thickness of the post core members and that these projections form or provide flanges for the reception of the adjacent edge of the partition panel 62.

As previously stated, the posts and rails have a crosssectional shape of that of a Greek cross having deep grooves in each of their four sides as is clearly obvious from FIG. 2. In most instances, these grooves are used in the construction of the partition, that is, they are employed to retain the respective panels in position. It will be equally obvious that in some instances the grooves are unemployed, for example, the front and rear grooves in the intermediate posts 11, 12, 14, etc. In the instances where the grooves of the respective posts and rails are not otherwise utilized, they are provided with a decorative strip 225 of suitable material, such as extruded rubber or vinyl. These strips are preferably made so that they are retained in position by friction, although they may be secured to the respective base plates and/ or core members in any suitable manner. In the embodiment shown the decorative strips 225 are of slightly less thickness than the depth of the panels within which they are inserted. It is, however, to be understood that they may be of any suitable thickness and may be made in any color.

The decorative strips 225 not only enhance the appearance of the partition but cover or hide the heads of the screws 111, 112, etc., used to attach the various face plates or members to the core members. A similar decorative strip may be employed immediately adjacent to the permanent wall of the building, or the exposed sides of the portions 101, 102 of the Wall posts 19 may have a thin strip of material similar to that of the strips 225, cemented thereto. These strips 226, in addition to completing the decorative scheme, hide or cover the heads of the screws used to secure the adjoining rail cores thereto.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in considerable detail, the invention as previously stated is not limited to the particular constructions shown. From the foregoing it is believed that it will be apparent that the objects, heretofore enumerated, and others have been accomplished and that there has been provided a novel and new semi-prefabricated interior partition which is not only attractive and serviceable, but which comprises a limited number of parts which can be economically manufactured, readily assembled in an innumerable number of different ways and, if desired, subsequently disassembled and re-erected in the same or a different partition.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a building structure of the character described wherein a plurality of discrete panels are supported in a framework formed of a plurality of members detachably assembled together the combination of 1 A pair of discrete elongated frame members, one of said members being provided with an elongated core member having a generally rectangular shape in transverse cross-section adapted to connect the said one frame member to the other frame member,

each frame member having a flat base portion and a pair of parallelly spaced longitudinally extending flanges projecting at right angles from one side of said base portion to the same extent as each one of said flanges is spaced from the adjacent projecting end of the base portion, the flanges being spaced from each other substantially the same distance as said frame members are spaced from each other by said elongated core member, the resulting assembly of the frame and core members having a transverse crosssectional shape generally similar to a Greek cross with deep Wide grooves in each end face of the cross.

2. In a building structure of the character described wherein a plurality of discrete panels are supported in a framework formed of a plurality of members detachably assembled together the combination of:

a pair of discrete elongated frame members,

an elongated core member having a generally rectangular shape in transverse cross-section,

each frame member having a flat base portion and a pair of parallelly shaped longitudinally extending flanges projecting at right angles from one side of said base portion to the same extent as each of said flanges is spaced from its adjacent projecting end of the base portion.

said core member adapted to be attached to the other side of the base portions of the said frame members to space and join the latter in assembled relation,

the flanges being spaced from each other substantially the same distance as said frame members are spaced from each other by said elongated core member, the resulting assembly of the frame and core members having a transverse cross-sectional shape generally similar to a Greek cross with deep wide grooves in each end face of the cross.

3. In a building structure of the character described wherein a plurality of discrete panels are supported in a framework formed of a plurality of members detachably assembled together the combination of:

a pair of discrete elongated frame members,

a core member having a generally rectangular shape in transverse cross-section and being coextensive in elongation With said frame members,

each frame member having a fiat base portion adapted to be attached on one side to said core member, and having a pair of parallelly spaced longitudinally extending flanges projecting at right angles from the other side of the said base portion to the same extent as each flange is spaced from the adjacent projecting end of the base portion, the flanges projecting in a direction opposed to the flanges of the other frame member when in assembled relation with said core member and being spaced from each other substantially the same distance as said frame members are spaced from each other by said elongated core member, the resulting assembly of the frame and core members have a transverse cross-sectional shape generally similar to a Greek cross with deep Wide grooves in each end face of the cross.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,611,078 Robson Dec. 14, 1926 1,669,382 Smiley May 8, 1928 2,611,160 Hanesse Sept. 23, 1952 2,723,107 Parker Nov. 8, 1955 2,866,527 Schilling Dec. 30, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 2,955 Great Britain Feb. 7, 1906 721,105 France Dec. 12, 1931 762,567 France Ian. 22, 1934 440,423 Great Britain Dec. 27, 1935 281,053 Switzerland June 3, 1952 

1. IN A BUILDING STRUCTURE OF THE CHARACTER DESCRIBED WHEREIN A PLURALITY OF DISCRETE PANELS ARE SUPPORTED IN A FRAMEWORK FORMED OF A PLURALITY OF MEMBERS DETACHABLY ASSEMBLED TOGETHER THE COMBINATION OF: A PAIR OF DISCRETE ELONGATED FRAME MEMBERS, ONE OF SAID MEMBERS BEING PROVIDED WITH AN ELONGATED CORE MEMBER HAVING A GENERALLY RECTANGULAR SHAPE IN TRANSVERSE CROSS-SECTION ADAPTED TO CONNECT THE SAID ONE FRAME MEMBER TO THE OTHER FRAME MEMBER, EACH FRAME MEMBER HAVING A FLAT BASE PORTION AND A PAIR OF PARALLELLY SPACED LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING FLANGES PROJECTING AT RIGHT ANGLES FROM ONE SIDE OF SAID BASE PORTION TO THE SAME EXTENT AS EACH ONE OF SAID FLANGES IS SPACED FROM THE ADJACENT PROJECTING END OF THE BASE PORTION, THE FLANGES BEING SPACED FROM EACH OTHER SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME DISTANCE AS SAID FRAME MEMBERS ARE SPACED FROM EACH OTHER BY SAID ELONGATED CORE MEMBER, THE RESULTING ASSEMBLY OF THE FRAME AND CORE MEMBERS HAVING A TRANSVERSE CROSSSECTIONAL SHAPE GENERALLY SIMILAR TO A GREEK CROSS WITH DEEP WIDE GROOVES IN EACH END FACE OF THE CROSS. 